Matt Ruchty holds the Calder Cup high above his head on March 30, 1995 while his Albany River Rats teammates, left to right, Scott Pellerin, Kevin Dean, Steve Sullivan and Bill Armstrong help with the champagne duties during Tuesday's celebration at Knickerbocker Arena. less

Matt Ruchty holds the Calder Cup high above his head on March 30, 1995 while his Albany River Rats teammates, left to right, Scott Pellerin, Kevin Dean, Steve Sullivan and Bill Armstrong help with the champagne ... more

Photo: TOM LAPOINT, DG

Matt Ruchty holds the Calder Cup high above his head on March 30,... Photo-5717420.77506 - Times Union

Image 3 of 46

River Rats merchandise on sale in 2006.

River Rats merchandise on sale in 2006.

Photo: JAMES GOOLSBY, DG

River Rats merchandise on sale in 2006. Photo-5705994.77506 - Times Union

Image 4 of 46

The Albany River Rats take on the Philadelphia Phantoms during American Hockey League game action at The Times Union Center, on Sunday, March 2, 2008. Later that season, the Rats and the Phantoms would face off for the longest game played in AHL history. less

The Albany River Rats take on the Philadelphia Phantoms during American Hockey League game action at The Times Union Center, on Sunday, March 2, 2008. Later that season, the Rats and the Phantoms would face off ... more

Photo: LMF, ALBANY TIMES UNION

The Albany River Rats take on the Philadelphia Phantoms during... Photo-5717443.77506 - Times Union

Image 5 of 46

Walter Robb, former owner of the Albany River Rats, at his office at Vantage Management Inc. in Niskayuna, NY on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007.

Walter Robb, former owner of the Albany River Rats, at his office at Vantage Management Inc. in Niskayuna, NY on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007.

Photo: Paul Buckowski, Hearst

Walter Robb, former owner of the Albany River Rats, at his office... Photo-5717418.77506 - Times Union

Image 6 of 46

Rowdy, the River Rats mascot, gets the crowd going against Adirondack.

Rowdy, the River Rats mascot, gets the crowd going against Adirondack.

Photo: LORI VAN BUREN

Rowdy, the River Rats mascot, gets the crowd going against Adirondack. Photo-240348.77506 - Times Union

Image 7 of 46

River Rats fans get their photo taken with Rowdy the mascot.

River Rats fans get their photo taken with Rowdy the mascot.

Photo: LORI VAN BUREN

River Rats fans get their photo taken with Rowdy the mascot. Photo-237872.77506 - Times Union

Image 8 of 46

Albany River Rat fans cheer with Rowdy the mascot while playing the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the first period of their Hockey game at the Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y., Wednesday, January 21, 2009.

Albany River Rat fans cheer with Rowdy the mascot while playing the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the first period of their Hockey game at the Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y., Wednesday, January 21, 2009.

Photo: Hans Pennink, Times Union

Albany River Rat fans cheer with Rowdy the mascot while playing the... Photo-5705921.77506 - Times Union

Image 9 of 46

The River Rats and the Adirondack Phantoms renew their rivalry.

Opening face-off between the Albany River Rats and the Adirondack Phantoms Saturday night, October 17, 2009, at the Glens Falls Civic Center in Glens Falls, N.Y. less

The River Rats and the Adirondack Phantoms renew their rivalry.

Opening face-off between the Albany River Rats and the Adirondack Phantoms Saturday night, October 17, 2009, at the Glens Falls Civic Center in ... more

Photo: John Carl D'Annibale

The River Rats and the Adirondack Phantoms renew their rivalry.... Photo-4539221.77506 - Times Union

Image 10 of 46

Fans on both sides turn out to enjoy a game at the Times Union Center. Were you seen at 2009 Albany River Rats vs. Adirondack Phantoms? View Seen gallery.

Fans on both sides turn out to enjoy a game at the Times Union Center. Were you seen at 2009 Albany River Rats vs. Adirondack Phantoms? View Seen gallery.

Photo: Jon Campbell

Fans on both sides turn out to enjoy a game at the Times Union... Photo-270332.77506 - Times Union

Image 11 of 46

Fans on both sides turn out to enjoy a game at the Times Union Center. Were you seen at 2009 Albany River Rats vs. Adirondack Phantoms? View Seen gallery.

Fans on both sides turn out to enjoy a game at the Times Union Center. Were you seen at 2009 Albany River Rats vs. Adirondack Phantoms? View Seen gallery.

Photo: Jon Campbell

Fans on both sides turn out to enjoy a game at the Times Union... Photo-270330.77506 - Times Union

Image 12 of 46

Fans on both sides turn out to enjoy a game at the Times Union Center. Were you seen at 2009 Albany River Rats vs. Adirondack Phantoms? View Seen gallery.

Fans on both sides turn out to enjoy a game at the Times Union Center. Were you seen at 2009 Albany River Rats vs. Adirondack Phantoms? View Seen gallery.

Photo: Jon Campbell

Fans on both sides turn out to enjoy a game at the Times Union... Photo-270350.77506 - Times Union

Image 13 of 46

Fans on both sides turn out to enjoy a game at the Times Union Center. Were you seen at 2009 Albany River Rats vs. Adirondack Phantoms? View Seen gallery.

Fans on both sides turn out to enjoy a game at the Times Union Center. Were you seen at 2009 Albany River Rats vs. Adirondack Phantoms? View Seen gallery.

Photo: Jon Campbell

Fans on both sides turn out to enjoy a game at the Times Union... Photo-270352.77506 - Times Union

Image 14 of 46

Players and coach speak about their recent bus crash accident that injured team players during a press conference at the Times Union Center, Friday, February 20,2009 in in Albany, New York. Head Coach Jeff Daniels reacts emotionally about the incident. less

Players and coach speak about their recent bus crash accident that injured team players during a press conference at the Times Union Center, Friday, February 20,2009 in in Albany, New York. Head Coach Jeff ... more

No. 11, Albany River Rat Assistant Captain, Dwight Helminen thanking EMS, law enforcement, & officials from Berkshire Medical Center, who came to the rescue of the Albany River Rat Hockey Team when they were involved in a bus crash on the Mass Pike, as the Rats took the ice at home at the Times Union Center for the first time since the accident on Sunday, Mar. 1, 2009, Albany, NY. The emergancy workers were honored in a pregame ceremony on the ice by Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings and Albany Co. Ex. Mike Breslin. less

No. 11, Albany River Rat Assistant Captain, Dwight Helminen thanking EMS, law enforcement, & officials from Berkshire Medical Center, who came to the rescue of the Albany River Rat Hockey Team when they were ... more

The rivalry continues. Steven Goertzen of the Albany River Rats ,left, and Patrick Maroon of the Adirondack Phantoms fight during the third period of their Hockey game at the Glens Falls Civic Center in Glens Falls, N.Y., Saturday, April 10, 2010. less

The rivalry continues. Steven Goertzen of the Albany River Rats ,left, and Patrick Maroon of the Adirondack Phantoms fight during the third period of their Hockey game at the Glens Falls Civic Center in Glens ... more

Photo: Hans Pennink, Times Union

The rivalry continues. Steven Goertzen of the Albany River Rats... Photo-5706490.77506 - Times Union

Image 17 of 46

Nicholas Blanchard of the Albany River Rats, left, is taken to the penalty box after fighting with Matt Clackson of the Adirondack Phantoms during the first period of their Ice Hockey game at the Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y., October 24, 2009. less

Nicholas Blanchard of the Albany River Rats, left, is taken to the penalty box after fighting with Matt Clackson of the Adirondack Phantoms during the first period of their Ice Hockey game at the Times Union ... more

Photo: Hans Pennink, Times Union

Nicholas Blanchard of the Albany River Rats, left, is taken to the... Photo-5706509.77506 - Times Union

Image 18 of 46

Rowdy, the mascot for the Albany River Rats, rings the bell for the Salvation Army in the Corner of State and South Pearl streets in Albany, NY on December 17, 2009..

Rowdy, the mascot for the Albany River Rats, rings the bell for the Salvation Army in the Corner of State and South Pearl streets in Albany, NY on December 17, 2009..

Photo: LORI VAN BUREN, Times Union

Rowdy, the mascot for the Albany River Rats, rings the bell for the... Photo-5705920.77506 - Times Union

Image 19 of 46

Albany River Rat fans watch a replay on the screen against the Adirondack Phantoms during their Hockey game at the Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y., Saturday, April 3, 2010.

Albany River Rat fans watch a replay on the screen against the Adirondack Phantoms during their Hockey game at the Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y., Saturday, April 3, 2010.

Photo: Hans Pennink, Times Union

Albany River Rat fans watch a replay on the screen against the... Photo-5706497.77506 - Times Union

Image 20 of 46

Albany River Rats hockey player Nicolas Blanchard is body checked by Worcester's Nick Petrecki during a game at the Times Union Center in Albany, NY on March 17, 2010.

Albany River Rats hockey player Nicolas Blanchard is body checked by Worcester's Nick Petrecki during a game at the Times Union Center in Albany, NY on March 17, 2010.

River Rats fan Zach Bennett, 10, left, joins his mother Danielle, sister Jenna, 8, and father Randy at the playoff game against the Hershey Bears on Thursday, April 29, 2010, at Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y. less

River Rats fan Zach Bennett, 10, left, joins his mother Danielle, sister Jenna, 8, and father Randy at the playoff game against the Hershey Bears on Thursday, April 29, 2010, at Times Union Center in Albany, ... more

It was announced in early 2010 that the River Rats had been sold and would be moving to Charlotte. River Rats fans wave goodbye to Rowdy Rat through the plexiglass after the Rats lose 5-4 in their playoff game to the Hershey Bears on April 29, 2010 at the Times Union Center in Albany. It was the last game for the River Rats. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union) less

It was announced in early 2010 that the River Rats had been sold and would be moving to Charlotte. River Rats fans wave goodbye to Rowdy Rat through the plexiglass after the Rats lose 5-4 in their playoff game ... more

Photo: CINDY SCHULTZ

It was announced in early 2010 that the River Rats had been sold... Photo-491107.77506 - Times Union

Image 23 of 46

Rowdy the River Rat was replaced as mascot by the Albany Devil Dog.

Mike Ripley of Albany takes a photo of his sons Jack, 9, left, wearing a Albany Devils jersey and Pierce, 5, wearing an Albany River Rats jersey with the Albany Devil Dog during the Albany Devils- Charlotte Checkers hockey game.

Rowdy the River Rat was replaced as mascot by the Albany Devil Dog.... Photo-375479.77506 - Times Union

Image 24 of 46

Fans out for the Albany Devils game still wore River Rats jerseys.

Fans out for the Albany Devils game still wore River Rats jerseys.

Photo: Lori Van Buren

Fans out for the Albany Devils game still wore River Rats jerseys. Photo-375474.77506 - Times Union

Image 25 of 46

The crowd at Times Union Center for the Devils-Checkers game include people wear both River Rats and Devils jerseys.

The crowd at Times Union Center for the Devils-Checkers game include people wear both River Rats and Devils jerseys.

Photo: Lori Van Buren

The crowd at Times Union Center for the Devils-Checkers game... Photo-375478.77506 - Times Union

Image 26 of 46

Bruce Springsteen, who performed to a sold-out crowd at the Times Union Center on April 16, 2012, was disappointed that the team name was no longer the River Rats. 'Change it back!' he said.

Bruce Springsteen, who performed to a sold-out crowd at the Times Union Center on April 16, 2012, was disappointed that the team name was no longer the River Rats. 'Change it back!' he said.

Photo: Lori Van Buren

Bruce Springsteen, who performed to a sold-out crowd at the Times... Photo-4080559.77506 - Times Union

Image 27 of 46

The impact of the River Rats is still felt in hockey today. Four former players, including Zack Parise, made the U.S. Olympic roster this year for the games in Sochi.

Zach Parise #9 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates after assisting on a goal by teammate Sergei Brylin #18 during the first period against the New York Islanders on January 21, 2006 at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Krisjanis Redlihs (R) of Latvia, seen here battling and Janne Pesonen (L) of Finland for the puck during the IIHF World Championship group D match between Latvia and Finland at Orange Arena on May 2, 2011 in Bratislava, Slovakia, will play on Latvia's Olympic team in Sochi. Redlihs played for the River Rats between 2002-2006. less

Krisjanis Redlihs (R) of Latvia, seen here battling and Janne Pesonen (L) of Finland for the puck during the IIHF World Championship group D match between Latvia and Finland at Orange Arena on May 2, 2011 in ... more

Besides AHL hockey, there have also been some exciting moments in College hockey at the Times Union Center. After winning in this tournament in 2010, RIT went on to the Frozen Four.

Denver's Rhett Rakhshani (9), right, controls the puck as RIT's Tyler Brenner (16), left, defends during their NCAA East Regional hockey game on Friday, March 26, 2010, at Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y.

A new tradition began last year with the Capital District... Photo-4327806.77506 - Times Union

Image 37 of 46

RPI's Freshman, Chris Bradley (24), right, defends against Union's Senior, Wayne Simpson (21) as he breaks toward the goal, Saturday evening, Jan. 26, 2013, during the second period at the Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y. (Dan Little/Special to the Times Union). less

RPI's Freshman, Chris Bradley (24), right, defends against Union's Senior, Wayne Simpson (21) as he breaks toward the goal, Saturday evening, Jan. 26, 2013, during the second period at the Times Union Center ... more

Fans for both teams showed their spirit during the Mayor's Cup. Were you Seen at the Union vs. RPI hockey game at the Times Union Center on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013? View Seen gallery.

Fans for both teams showed their spirit during the Mayor's Cup. Were you Seen at the Union vs. RPI hockey game at the Times Union Center on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013? View Seen gallery.

Photo: Kaitlyn Jasnica

Fans for both teams showed their spirit during the Mayor's... Photo-4093241.77506 - Times Union

Image 39 of 46

Fans for both teams showed their spirit during the Mayor's Cup. Were you Seen at the Union vs. RPI hockey game at the Times Union Center on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013? View Seen gallery.

Fans for both teams showed their spirit during the Mayor's Cup. Were you Seen at the Union vs. RPI hockey game at the Times Union Center on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013? View Seen gallery.

Photo: Kaitlyn Jasnica

Fans for both teams showed their spirit during the Mayor's... Photo-4093232.77506 - Times Union

Image 40 of 46

The Devils are still going strong. The Albany Devils' mascot draws cheers with the offer of a free tee-shirt during a game against the Manchester Monarchs in 2012 at Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y.

The Devils are still going strong. The Albany Devils' mascot draws cheers with the offer of a free tee-shirt during a game against the Manchester Monarchs in 2012 at Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y.

Photo: Cindy Schultz

The Devils are still going strong. The Albany Devils' mascot... Photo-5630064.77506 - Times Union

Image 41 of 46

A good crowd on hand for Saturday's Devils vs. Adirondack Phantoms hockey at the Times Union Center in Albany Jan. 28, 2012. Unfortunately, it looks like the Phantoms will be leaving Glens Falls after the 2013-2014 season. less

A good crowd on hand for Saturday's Devils vs. Adirondack Phantoms hockey at the Times Union Center in Albany Jan. 28, 2012. Unfortunately, it looks like the Phantoms will be leaving Glens Falls after the ... more

Photo: John Carl D'Annibale, Albany Times Union

A good crowd on hand for Saturday's Devils vs. Adirondack... Photo-5706543.77506 - Times Union

Image 42 of 46

Albany's Steven Delisle, left, tries to knock the puck away from Albany's Mike Sislo during the first period of the Albany Devils and Adirondack Phantoms hockey game at the Times Union Center on Monday, Oct. 14, 2013 in Albany, NY. less

Albany's Steven Delisle, left, tries to knock the puck away from Albany's Mike Sislo during the first period of the Albany Devils and Adirondack Phantoms hockey game at the Times Union Center on Monday, Oct. ... more

Devils' Artem Demkov, center, controls the puck during their hockey game against the Portland Pirates on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, at Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y. With this win, the Devils broke a franchise record with their sixth straight home victory. less

Devils' Artem Demkov, center, controls the puck during their hockey game against the Portland Pirates on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, at Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y. With this win, the Devils broke a ... more